While the committee made two changes to the measure easing the restrictions slightly, compared to how it was introduced last month, the ordinance goes further than the state fire code in establishing firm limits on when residents can enjoy backyard fire. It also bans the burning of treated lumber, and sets limits on the size of fire wood.

The ordinance prohibits backyard fires between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. It also sets a two-foot height limit on flames.

When Committeeman Gerald Maher first introduced the ordinance last month, he had advocated for a midnight to 9 a.m. prohibition.

“I did receive some emails from people, and there was some heartburn about the time limit,” said Maher during discussion of the ordinance at the committee meeting. He later proposed a change to a 2-7 a.m. prohibition on backyard fires.

The ordinance also initially included a provision banning the use of fire pits on decks and porches. However, it was removed after a resident railed against the restriction during the public hearing on the ordinance.

“This is much more restrictive than the New Jersey or international fire codes, and the state fire code exempts one- and two-family houses from bans on fire pits on decks, porches and balconies,” said resident Thomas Sullivan, the only member of the public to address the committee during the public hearing. “You allow charcoal grills and gas grills on decks.

“I just think this is too overbearing and too restrictive.”

Maher said the ordinance came on the recommendation of township Fire Marshal John Austin, who has stated the fire department regularly dispatches to residences on nuisance calls regarding fires in the middle of the night.

“The real reason for this ordinance is because the fire official has received letters from residents complaining about smoke coming in through windows and things like that,” said Maher. “I remember as a firefighter being called out to people burning TVs in their backyard, or someone not liking their neighbor and making smoke because their kid has asthma and they want to get on their nerves.”

Committeewoman Denice DiCarlo registered the lone vote against the ordinance, arguing she felt more work needed to be done on the measure.

“I just feel like we need to make sure we have this right,” she said. “I have to vote ‘no’ at this point.”

According to Mayor Ray Chintall, the full ordinance will soon be posted on the township website.

The ordinance, introduced by the committee on March 6, is the product of recommendations made by the planning board after years of meetings and hearings, according to planning chairman Michael McManamy.

“I’m glad it was passed,” said McManamy, addressing the committee during Thursday’s meeting. “I really think this is a good deal for West Deptford.”

According to officials, the new regulations aim to prevent the construction of medical dispensaries near school and residential areas, instead pointing toward business parks. The ordinance also establishes set hours of operation.

Chintall stated the township has not received any applications for medical marijuana dispensaries, adding that the ordinance is purely "proactive."

The cellphone tower provisions in the ordinance prevent their construction near residential areas, according to McManamy, who himself lives within 200 feet of an existing tower.

The zoning ordinance was approved by a 4-0 vote, with an abstention by Committeeman John Keuler, who was appointed to the committee earlier that same meeting.